Electropneumatic combination stop action for organs



April 10, 1928.

G. H. CHAPMAN ELECTROPNEUMATIC COMBINATION STOP ACTION FOR ORGANS Filed June 13, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet l fag/6777137"- GPO'CQ ch. Chapman April 10, 1928. 1,665,254

G. H. CHAPMAN ELEGTROPNEUMATIC COMBINATION STOP ACTION FOR ORGANS File June 15, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 g3 x H" W N 5 & w

Iva/8%: Georyeo l Chapman April 10, 192& 1,665,254

G. H. CHAPMAN ELECTROPNBUIATIC COMBINATION STOP ACTION FOR ORGANS Filed June 13, 1927 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 fieorsge 0 15 Chapman April 10, 1928. 1,665,254

G. H. CHAPMAN ELECTHQFNEUIIATIC CQHBINATION STOP ACTION FOR ORGANS Filed June 13. 15 327 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Apr. 10, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ELECTROPNEUMATIC COMBINATION STOP ACTION FOR ORGANS.

Application filed June 13,

This invention relates to combination stopactions of the electro-pneum3tic type for pipe organs and similar instruments, and has for its main object to provide an improved and simplified organization and arrangement of cooperating mechanisms through which the function of a Combination stop action is performed in a reliable and efficient manner. Another object is to provide an improved combination stop-setting mechanism of compact structure, permitting a relatively large group of combination stop-setting devices to be assembled in a limited space. A still further object is to provide a combination stop-action wherein substantially all of the moving parts are actuated through pneumatically operated motor devices, these latter in turn controlled by electrical devices.

Other objects and attendant advantages of the invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the art as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein I have illustrated, somewhat diagrammatically, a practical and workable embodiment of the invention, and in which Fig. 1 is a plan View of the combinationsetting and stop-drawing mechanisms, in horizontal section through certain of the wind stacks which supply the pneumatic operating devices;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section of the same on the line 22 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical section through one of the electrically controlled pneumatic trace-bar actuating devices, showing also in elevation some of the tracebars and switch-jacks thereon, and in crosssection the pivoted rocker-bars through which current is supplied to the upstanding contacts of the switch-jacks;

Fig. i is a top plan view of a portion of a trace-bar showing the conductor strip on the upper side thereof and the switch-jacks pivoted 011 one side thereof;

Figs. 5, 6 and 7 are vertical sections on an enlarged scale through the trace-bar on the lines 55, 66, and 7-7, respectively of Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of one of the switch-jacks detached;

Fig, 9 is a diagrammatic view of the sys 1927. Serial No. 198,355.

tem, illustrating the various electrically controlled pneumatic operating devices and their circuits, and showing also a pivoted stop-key, or tablet, and its tandem wound solenoid magnet through which it is thrown on and off.

Referring first to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, A, B and C represent vertical wind stacks, to which air under pressure is supplied from a blower or any other source of compressed air. Communicating laterally with the stack A is a horizontal wind chest A (Fig. 3) that serves the trace-bar actuating bellows; communicating with the stack B is a horizontal wind chest B (Fig. 2) that serves the rocker-bar actuating bellows; and communicating with the stack C is a horizontal wind chest C that serves .the switch-jack setting bellows.

The stacks B and C and their associated wind chests B and C are disposed on opposite sides of a frame structure which includes a pair of parallel spaced longitudinal bars 10 (Fig. 2), and cross-bars 11, 12 and 13. Slidably supported on, and crosswise of, the cross-bars 11. and 12 is a group of parallel spaced trace-bars 14, of which any number may be employed depending upon the size of the unit and the number of stop-keys, or tablets, of the instrument served by the structure. The trace-bars 14 are confined vertically by transverse overlying strips 15 and 16 mounted on the cross-bars 11 and 12 respectively by pins, or posts 17 and 18, the latter also serving as lateral guides for the free ends of the trace-bars 14.

Referring to Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7, mounted in the upper side of each trace-bar is a metal conductor strip 19, and similarly mounted in the lower side of each bar is a metal conductor strip 20, both strips extend ing lengthwise of the bar. Pivotally mounted on one side of each trace-bar 14 at uniformly spaced intervals are a plurality of'switch-jacks21, the specific structure of which is shown in isolated detail in Fig. 8.

Each jack is centrally mounted on a screw 22 (Fig. 6), and each switch-jack is formed at one end with a transversely disposed contact extension 23 which plays up and down, under a swingingmovement of the switchjack, in a transverse slot 24 (Fig. 7) formed in the side of the trace-bar, so that in one position of the jack the contact extension 23 engages one edge of the conductor strip 19, and in the other position of the jack said contact extension engages one edge of the conductor strip 20. Each switch-jack is provided at its ends with depending limbs 21. and 21" adapted to be struck by the jack setting device hereinafter described. Coiled around the pivot screw 22 is an upstanding contact Wire 25, the lower portion of which lies in a transverse slot 26 formed in the side-of the trace-bar, similar to the slot 24 3 but disposed in the vertical plane of the axis of the pivot screw 22. The contact wires 25 remain substantially vertical in all positions "t the switch-jack.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 9, the upper con ductor strip 19 is connected through a pullspring 27 (which itself forms a part of the circuit) with a short conducting strip 28 secured to, and across, a fixed insulating wooden bar that is disposed beneath the wind chest A. Similarly the underlying conductor strip 20 is connected through a pull-spring 30 (which forms a part of the circuit) with a short conducting strip 31 secured to the under side of the bar 29. The tension of the springs 27 and 30 tends to maintain each trace-bar 14 in the position shown in Figs. 3 and 9, wherein the inner end of the trace-bar abuts against an arm 32 attached to the movable side of a. motor pneumatic 33 that is mounted on the inner side of the wind chest A. When the penumatic 33 is inflated, as hereinafter described, the trace-bar is shifted endwise against the pullof the springs 27 and30.

. Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, journa-led in a pair of strips 34 and 35 mounted on the upper edges of the frame bars 10 are a series of rocker bars through each of which current is supplied to a transverse row of the upstanding contact wires 25 when said bar is rocked into contact with the row of wires. Each rocker-bar comprises trunnions 3 6 and 37 that are journaled in the strips 34 and 35, respectively, .an intermediate downwardly bowed portion 38 that makes contact with the wires 25, and a crank arm 39 that is secured to the movable side of a motor pneu- 1natic.:40 mounted on the wind chest B. Each rocker-bar is electrically connected by a circuit wire 7) (Fig. 9) to a circuit wire a leading from the positive side of a generator G.

. Referring to Fig. 9, 41 designates one of the stop-keys, herein taking the form of a pivoted tablet. The inner end otthe key 41 isconnected through a rod 42 to a bar 43 which forms the core, or armature, of a pair of oppositelyfiwoundmagnets 44 and 45.

From the short conductor strip 28 a circuit wire-c leads to the, outer end of the winding o't'magnet 44; and from the short conductor strip 31 a circuit wire cl leads to the outer end of the winding of the magnet 45. The inner ends of the windings of the two magnets are connected by circuit wires 6 and Z to the negative side 01' the generator G. Hence, when a rocker-bar is actuated into contact with a transverse row of wires 25, any switch-jack of the row which at that time is in contact with the upper strip 19 will close an electric circuit through the magnet 44, and the latter will pull the stop to its raised, or off, position. Any jack of the row which at that time is in contact with the lower strip 20 will close an electric circuit through the magnet 45 and through the latter the stop will be depressed, or drawn on.

Describing next the switch-jack setting mechanism, to the inner sides of the f ame bars 10 are attached inwardly extending shelves 46 and 47 (Fig. 2) which support a series of motor pneumatics 48 respectively underlying the transverse rows of switchjacks. The upper movable side of each pneumatic 48 is equipped with a striker-bar 49 adapted, when the pneumatic is expanded, to strike one or the other of the depending limbs 21 and 21 of the switch-jacks, accordingly as the t'aee-bars are in advanced or retracted position, to'thereby tilt or rock the switch-jacks so as to shift the electrical contact of the latter from the upper to lower conductor strip and vice versa.

Describing next the electro-pneumatic tuating devices of the trace-bars 14, the actuating bellows 33, of whichthere is one for each trace-bar, are, as heretofore stated, mounted on the inner side wall of the wind chest A. Each bellows is equipped with controlling valves, 50 and 50, the former of which when open admitsthe pressure from chest A to expand: the bellows, and the latter of which when open exhausts the bellows to the atmosphere. Both valves are mounted on a common stem 51 attached to the movable side of a small vbellows 52 which latter is vented to the atmosphere through ducts .53 and .54. The lower end of duct 54 is normally elosedby a metal disc valve 55 held in closing position by the pressure in chest A. .The valve 55 is opened by an electromagnet '56which rents the bellows 52 and allows the latter to collapse and open valve 50 and close valve 50. The winding of magnet 56 is connected on one side by a circuit line f to one of the contacts 57 of a gang switch which is normally open, and on the other side by a circuit line 9 to the negative side of the generator.

The free end of the armature bar 43 carries a contact arm 58 that, when the stopkey 41 is depressedeither manually or by the magnet 45, makes wiping contact with three fixed contacts 59, 60, and 61, Contact the 59 is connected by the circuit lines it and a to the positive pole of the generator; contact 60 is connected by a circuit line i to one of the fixed contact strips 62 of a gang switch. Contact 61 is connected to a circuit line j leading to a magnet (not shown) which directly, or through a pneumatic, draws the organ stop that is controlled by the stop-key 41, the other side of said magnet being wired back to the negative side of the generator.

The contacts 57 are mounted on the movable side of a bellows 63 that is expanded to close the circuit between contacts 57 and 62 by a mechanism similar to that described in connection with bellows 33, including a magnet 64; connected on one side by a circuit line 70 to the contact 65, and on its other side by a circuit line I to the negative side of the generator G. The circuit line a is connected to what is known as a combination setting piston, or button 66, of which there is only one for the entire instrument, said button, or piston, 66 cooperating with contact 65 to connect the circuit lines a 70, and normally held away from contact 65 by a spring 67. From the foregoing it will be seen that, when the setting piston 66 is pushed in, circuit a, la and Z through the magnet 64 is closed, and the bellows 63 is actuated to close the gang switch and to connect all the circuit lines 2' and f through contacts 62, 57. This at the same time closes the circuits a, h, 59, 58, 60, z', 62, 57, f, magnet 56 and g pertaining to the stop keys 41 of the combination which have been previously drawn to on position, Which expands the bellows 33 and shifts each tracebar actuated by bellows 33 to the right, viewing Figs. 3 and 9, until the remote end of the trace-bar strikes and is arrested by a felt bumper strip 13 on the inner face of the cross-bar 13 of the frame. It is understood, of course, that each individual stopkey 41 is supplied with the trace-bar actuating mechanism last described, and that the setting piston 66 operates to close the circuit through the magnet 64 and the circuits through the magnets 56 pertaining to all of the stop-keys which have been selected and depressed for a particular combination. lVhen the setting piston 66 is released, there by breaking the circuit at 65, the magnet 64 is instantly deenergized, the bellows 63 is collapsed by its spring68, the magnet 56 is deenergized, the bellows 33 is collapsed, and the trace-bar 14 is retracted by the springs 27 and 30.

Describing next the mechanism controlling the jack-setting bellows 48 (which is similar to that controlling the trace-bar actuating bellows 33), each bellows is connected with the wind chest C by a valve-controlled duct 69, the expanding and collapsing of said bellows through said duct being controlled by the same kind of mechanism, including magnet 70, as that previously described for controlling bellows 33 and 63. The winding of the magnet 70 is connected on one side by a circuit line m to one of the contacts 71 of a gang switch which is normally open, and on the other side by a circuit line a to the negative side of the generator. Contact 71 is carried by the movable side of a bellows 72 like bellows 63, and operated by a like mechanism, including magnet 73. Magnet 73 is connected on one side by a circuit line 0 to circuit line 70, and on its other side by circuit line 39 to circuit line Z. Movable contacts 71 cooperate with fixed contact strips 74, each of which is connected by a circuit line 9 to a cont-act 75. Cooperating with contact 75 is a slidable combination piston, or button, 76 similar in all respects to setting piston, or button, 66, and normally spring-held out of contact with 75; the piston 76 being connected by a circuit line r to piston 66 and circuit line a.

lVhen the circuit is closed at 65 by pushing the setting piston 66, the magnet 73 is energized, as well as the magnet 64, and the contacts 71 and 74 are engaged with each other to connect circuit lines 9 and m. Now, with the setting piston 66 pressed in, the combination piston 76 pertaining to the particular combinationbeing set up is pressed in, and this closes the circuit through magnet 70 and thereby inflates the bellows 48, which latter actuates the switch-jacks in the transverse row overlying said bellows, to their on or off positions. This, through contact with the ends 21 sets the jacks per taining to the selected stops of the combination which has been selected, to on position; and at the same time, sets any other jacks in the same transverse row pertaining to stops not in the combination, and that may be in on position, to off position through contact with the ends 21 of said other jacks. I

After the desired combinations have been set in the manner above described, the organist, in playing a composition, draws the combinations successively, as called for, by simply pressing in the combination piston 76 pertaining to each combiiultion. The combinatioil-drawing circuit includes movable contacts 77 of a gang switch that is normally held in contact with the fixed con tact strips 7a by a bellows 7S. Bellows 78 normally maintained inflated by an electro-pneumatic device, including magnet 79, similar to those previously described for operating bellows 33, 63 and 72, except that the air-controlling valve of this device in its normal position shown in Fig. 9 admits pressure to bellows 78, only when the magnet 7 9 is deenergized and cuts off the pressure and vents said bellows only when magnet 7 9 is energized. Contact 77 isconnected by a circuit line a to the magnet- 80 of an electro-pneumatic device, similar to those previously described, which. controls the supply of pressure to the operating bellows lO of the circuit closing rocker-bar 38, which rocker-bar, it will be remembered, is connected to the generator G by the line wires 5, a. Hence, with the parts in the normal playing position illustrated in Fig. 9, the closing ol the conibination-drawing circuit through the piston, or button, 76 energizes a single bellows 4:0 pertaining to that combination, and this closes the circuits through the conductors and stop-drawing solenoids of all the stops in the previously set combination, and also closes the circuits through the conductors 19 and solenoids is of stops not in the combination, thus taking off any such stops that may be on. At the same time also the switch-arm 58, by engaging the contacts 59 and G1, closes the circuits through the magnets which draw the stops included in the combination.

It is believed that the manner of manipulation and operation of the system has been suiiiciently fully set forth in connection with the foregoing description of its structure and organization to be readily understood WlthOUtjEUFtlIGI' description. It will of course be understood that each stop-key of a manual is equipped with its own operating magnets and electrical connections therefrom. to its respective tracebar, and that a trace-bar actuating bellows 33 is supplied tor each trace-bar. The system also includes a circuit opening and closing switch 57, 62 for each trace-bar actuating bellows 33; a circuit opening and closing switch 71, 7% for each switch-jack setting bellows 48; and a circuit opening and closing switch 77, 74; for each rocker-arm actuating bellows L0.

The electro-pneumatic devices through which the severalgroups of bellows 83, 63, 72, 78, l8 and l0 are inflated and deflated are well-known devices extensively employed in this art, and no claim, of novelty thereto is made herein. I am also aware that endwise shittable trace-bars carrying pivoted jacks which may be shifted between two ditl'erent positions to draw the stop keys on or oil through mechanical connections are known, but so liar as I am aware the use of trace-bars and pivoted jacks wherein the latter serve as circuit openers and closers through stop-key operating magnets is new, and possesses the advantage of eliminating the mechanical actuating connections heretofore employed between the trace-bars and the stop-keys.

I claim- 1. In a combination stop-action for organs, the combination of a group of end wise movable trace-bars, selective means for moving. said. trace-bars, a pair ofconductors on, and extending longitudinally of, each of said trace-bars, switch-jacks mounted-on said trace-bars adapted to be shifted between said conductors, on and oil magnets for the stop-keys having their windings respectively wired to said conductors, switch-jack setters disposed crosswise of said trace-bars, selective means for actuating said switchjack setters, and means for'supplying current to said switch-jacks.

2. In a combination stop-action t'or organs, the combination of a group of endwise movable tracebars, selective means for moving said trace-bars, a pair of conductors on, and extending lengthwise of, each of said trace-bars, switch-j acks pivoted on said tracebars adapted, when tilted, to make contact with one or the other of said conductors, on and oil magnets for the stop-keys having their windings respectively wired to said conductors, switcli jack setters disposed crosswise of said trace-bars, selectivemeans 'lor actuating said setters, and selective means for opening and closing electric circuits through transverse rows of switchjacks.

3. In a combination stop-action for organs, the combination of a group of endwise movable trace-bars, selective means for moving said trace-bars, a pair of conductors on, and extending lengthwise of, each of said tracebars, switch-jacks pivoted on said trace-bars between said conductors adapted, when tilted, to make contact with one or the other of said conductors, on and 0H magnets for the stop'keys having their windings respectively wired to said conductors, switch-jack setters disposed crosswise or said trace-bars, each adapted to actuate a transverse row of switch-jacks, selective means for actuating said setters, normally open electric circuits for supplying current to the respective transverse. rows o1 switch-jacks, and selective means for closing said circuits.

4. In a combination stop-action tororgans, the combination ota group of endwise movable trace-bars, selective means for moving said trace-bars, conductors on, and extending lengthwise of, the tops and bottoms of said tracebars, switch-jacks pivoted on the sides of said trace-bars adapted, when tilted, to make contact with one or the other of said conductors, on and off magnets for the stop-keys having their windings respectively wired to said. conductors, switchjack setters disposed crosswise of said tracebars, each adapted to actuate a transverse row of switch-jacks, selective means for actuating said setters, and means for supplying current to said switch-jacks.

5. In a combination stop-acti0n for organs, the combination of a group of endwise movable trace-bars, springs urging said trace-bars in one direction, selective means for moving said trace-bars in thezopposite direction against the urge of said springs, conductors on, and extending lengthwise of, the tops and bottoms of said trace-bars, switclrjacks pivoted intermediate their ends on the sides of said trace-barsadapted, when tilted, to make contact at one end thereof with one or the other of said conductors, on and off magnets fol-the stop-keys having their windings respectively wired to said conductors, switch-jack setters disposed crosswise of said trace-bars and each adapted to actuate a transverse row of switclr jacks, selective means for actuating said setters, and means for supplying current to said switch-jacks.

6. In a combination stop-action for organs, the combination of a group of endwise movable trace-bars, conductors on, and. extending lengthwise of, the tops and bottoms of said trace-bars, a pair of pull-springs for each trace-bar anchored at one end and at their other ends connected respectively to the conductors of the trace-bar, selective means for moving said trace-bars against the pull of said springs, switch-jacks pivoted intermediate their ends on the sides of said trace-bars adapted, when tilted, to make contact at one end thereof with one or the other of said conductors, on and off magnets for the stop-keys having their windings respectively wired to the anchored ends of said springs, switch-jack setters disposed crosswise of said trace-bars and each adapted to actuate a transverse row of switchjacks, selective means for actuating said setters, and means for supplying current to said switch-jacks.

7. In a combination stop-action of the character described, the combination of a group of parallel trace-bars, a pair of conductors on each trace-bar wired to the windings of the on and oflf magnets of the stop-keys, switch-jacks pivoted in transverse rows on said trace-bars adapted, when tilted, to make contact with one or the other of said conductors, electric circuits, including fixed contacts individual to each switchjack, and movable contactmembers individual to each transverse row of switch-jacks, and selective means for closing said circuits through said movable contact members and their respective associated fixed contacts.

8. In a combination stopaction of the character described, the combination of a group of parallel trace-bars, a pair of conductors on each trace-bar wired to the windings of the on and off magnets of the stop-keys, switch-jacks pivoted in transverse rows on said trace-bars adapted, when tilted, to make contact with one or the other of said conductors, electric circuits including upstanding fixed contact members individual to each switch-jack, and movable contact members comprising rocker-bars overlying the respective transverse rows of switch-jacks and adapted to be swung into and out of engagement with said fixed contact members, and selective means for actuating said rocker-bars.

9; In a combination stop-action of the character described, the combinaiton of a group of parallel trace-bars, a pair of con ductors on each trace-bar wired to the windings of the on and oil magnets of the stop-keys, switch-jacks pivoted in transverse rows on said trace-bars adapted, when tilted, to make contact with one or the other of said conductors, electric circuits including upstanding fixed contact wires individual to each switch-jack, movable contact members comprising rocker-bars overlying the respective transverse rows of switch-jacks adapted to be swung into and out of engagement with said fixed contact wires, crank arms on said rocker-bars, bellows individual to each of said rocker-bars, to the movable sides of which bellows said crank arms are secured, and selective means for inflating said bellows.

10. In a combination stop-action of the character described, the combination of a group of parallel trace-bars, a pair of conductors on each trace-bar wired to the windings of the on and off magnets of the stop-keys, switch-jacks pivoted in transverse rows on the sides of said trace-bars adapted, when'tilted, to make contact with one or the other of said conductors, selective means for moving said trace-bars endwise, means comprising bellows respectively underlying the transverse rows of switch-jacks for setting said switch-jacks, strikers mounted on the movable sides of said bellows, and selective means for inflating said bellows.

11. In a combination stop-action of the character described, the combination of a group of parallel trace-bars, a pair of conductors on each trace-bar wired to the windings of the on and off magnets of the stop-keys, switch-jacks pivoted in transverse rows on said trace-bars adapted, when tilted, to make contact with one or the other of said conductors, normally open circuits through said switclrjacks, means for simultaneously setting all the switch-jacks of a transverse row, means for closing the eircuits through the respective transverse rows of switch-jacks, bellows individual to each of said trace-bars for shifting the latter in one direction, springs urging said trace-bars in the reverse direction, and selective means for inflating said bellows.

12. In a combination stop-action or the character described, the combination of a group of parallel trace-bars, a pair of conductors on each trace-bar Wired to the windings of the on and ofli magnets of the stop-keys, switch-jacks pivoted in transverse ofsaid -traoe-hars, ag ms carried by, the movable sides of said bellows in thrust engage- Il'lBIlll: with drawing said trace-bars against said arms,

said trace-bars, pull-springs and selective means for inflating said bellows.

. GEORGE H. CHAPMAN. 

